Sachin Bansal Story is a testament to how determination, vision, and hard work can change the course of an entire industry. In 2007, along with his partner Binny Bansal, Sachin co-founded Flipkart in Bangalore, a venture that would eventually revolutionize the Indian e-commerce space. What started as an online bookstore has now transformed into one of India’s largest and most successful tech companies. Despite facing immense challenges, including limited resources and a market skeptical of online shopping, Sachin’s persistence and innovative thinking led Flipkart to success. Today, Flipkart stands as a symbol of entrepreneurial triumph, and Sachin’s journey continues to inspire millions of aspiring entrepreneurs across India and beyond.
Basic Details
| Legal Name | Flipkart Internet Private Limited |
| Brand | Flipkart |
| Founder | Sachin Bansal |
| Co-Founder | Binny Bansal |
| CEO | Kalyan Krishnamurthy (As of 2025) |
| Industry | E-Commerce |
| Website | www.flipkart.com |
| Year of Founding | 2007 (Bangalore, India) |
| Founder Education | IIT Delhi (Sachin), IIT Delhi (Binny) |
| Valuation | $40 Billion (as of 2025) |
| Employees | 50,000+ |
| Headquarter | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
PERSONAL STORY: SACHIN BANSAL
Sachin and Binny Bansal, both IIT Delhi graduates, came from humble backgrounds but shared a passion for technology and innovation. Sachin, born in 1981 in Chandigarh, and Binny, born in 1982 in Delhi, were both deeply influenced by the importance of education and technology in shaping their futures. Growing up in middle-class families, they understood the value of hard work and persistence. Their journey into the world of entrepreneurship began after their time at Amazon, where they worked together and gained invaluable experience in e-commerce and technology.
While working at Amazon, Sachin and Binny realized the immense potential of e-commerce in India, despite the challenges the country faced at the time—like low internet penetration and skepticism around online shopping. In 2007, they took a leap of faith, quitting their stable jobs to start Flipkart, an online bookstore. However, it wasn’t an easy decision. They were stepping into a market where e-commerce was barely a concept, and they had limited funds and resources.
In the early days, Flipkart’s journey was tough. The founders faced countless challenges—from sourcing inventory to convincing customers to trust them with online purchases. They even struggled with logistics and delivery, a major obstacle in India’s fragmented infrastructure. But their focus on customer service, offering easy returns, and fast deliveries started to build trust, slowly but surely. They were determined to make Flipkart succeed, and their dedication paid off as Flipkart grew rapidly.
The company’s breakthrough moment came when it expanded beyond books, offering a wide range of products like electronics, fashion, and home goods. Flipkart became a household name, attracting millions of users, and in 2018, it was acquired by Walmart for $16 billion. The Bansals’ story is an inspiring reminder that with determination, the right mindset, and a focus on customer-first innovation, one can turn challenges into success.
FOUNDING STORY: FLIPKART
Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal launched Flipkart in 2007 with the vision of bringing e-commerce to India, a market that was still in its infancy. Their initial idea was simple: create an online bookstore where customers could buy books easily. They realized that the online retail market in India was largely untapped and that there was a massive opportunity to disrupt traditional retailing. Despite the challenges posed by limited internet penetration and the unfamiliarity of online shopping, the duo was committed to changing the way people in India shopped.
In the first year, Flipkart was entirely self-funded. Sachin and Binny used their savings to cover initial expenses and worked tirelessly to get the business off the ground. However, they faced constant hurdles, such as finding reliable suppliers and establishing trust with customers who were wary of buying products online. The founders worked hard to solve these problems, focusing on creating a smooth shopping experience, providing quick deliveries, and offering customer-friendly return policies.
Flipkart’s first breakthrough came in 2008 when it gained traction as a reliable platform for books. But the company didn’t stop there. By 2010, Flipkart expanded into electronics and other categories, positioning itself as a comprehensive online retailer. This diversification proved to be the right move, and Flipkart quickly became India’s go-to e-commerce destination.
The company’s growth was fueled by strategic investments, including a major $1 billion funding round in 2014. Flipkart’s acquisition of Myntra in 2014 further strengthened its position in the fashion market. The acquisition of Jabong in 2016 and continuous innovation in logistics and customer service helped Flipkart expand its reach.
In 2018, Flipkart’s journey reached new heights when it was acquired by Walmart for $16 billion, further solidifying its place in India’s e-commerce ecosystem. Today, Flipkart is not only India’s leading online retailer but also an inspiration for countless entrepreneurs, proving that with vision, resilience, and the right approach, even the most challenging markets can be transformed.
COMPANY PROFILE: FLIPKART
Founded in 2007, Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce company that started as an online bookstore and quickly diversified into various product categories, including electronics, fashion, home goods, and groceries. Flipkart has become India’s largest online retailer and has played a pivotal role in shaping the e-commerce ecosystem in the country.
Services / Products Offered
Flipkart offers a wide range of products through its platform, including:
- Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, TVs, and accessories
- Fashion: Clothing, footwear, and accessories
- Home Goods: Furniture, kitchenware, and appliances
- Groceries: Through Flipkart’s grocery arm, Supermart
- Services: Flipkart also offers various services such as digital content and financial products.
Business Model
Flipkart primarily operates on a B2C (Business-to-Consumer) model, where it directly sells products to customers through its platform. It also connects third-party sellers with customers through the marketplace model.
Revenue Model
Flipkart’s revenue comes from:
- Product sales
- Commissions from third-party sellers
- Advertising and promotions
- Delivery charges and subscriptions (Flipkart Plus)
Market Landscape
As of 2025, Flipkart competes in a highly competitive market, with major players like Amazon India, Myntra, and Snapdeal. However, Flipkart’s wide product range, strong logistics network, and customer loyalty have helped it maintain a dominant position in the market.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Flipkart stands out because of its:
- Customer-centric approach: Easy returns, fast delivery, and a wide range of payment options.
- Strong logistics network: A robust delivery and supply chain system that serves every part of India.
- Localized experience: Flipkart tailors its offerings and services to meet the needs of Indian consumers.
Funding and Investment
- 2009: $1 million from Accel Partners
- 2014: $1 billion in funding led by Tiger Global, Naspers, and others
- 2018: Acquired by Walmart for $16 billion
- 2025: Valuation stands at approximately $35 billion
Growth Highlights
- 2007: Flipkart is founded
- 2010: Flipkart hits 1,000 orders per day
- 2014: Acquires Myntra
- 2018: Flipkart is acquired by Walmart
- 2025: Flipkart reaches $35 billion in valuation
Team Size & Culture
Flipkart has over 50,000 employees and has built a culture of innovation and customer obsession. The team is known for its dynamic, fast-paced environment, where creativity and adaptability are key to success.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To transform the Indian e-commerce space by delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Vision: To be India’s most trusted e-commerce platform, offering everything from fashion to electronics with a focus on reliability and speed.
Awards and Achievements
- Named in Forbes’ Most Valuable Startups list.
- Awarded Best E-commerce Platform at the 2025 Indian Business Awards.
- Recognized for its leadership in logistics and delivery services.
Future Plans
Flipkart is focusing on:
Strengthening its global presence, especially in Southeast Asia.
Expanding its grocery business through Flipkart Supermart.
Enhancing its AI and data analytics capabilities.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT: SACHIN BANSAL
Financial Overview
As of 2025, Sachin Bansal has a net worth of $1.5 billion, mainly from his stake in Flipkart and other ventures. Binny Bansal is valued at $1.2 billion, with significant investments in tech startups. Both founders continue to thrive financially after Flipkart’s acquisition by Walmart in 2018.
Subsidiary Companies Founded
Post-Flipkart, Sachin founded BharatPe, a fintech company focused on UPI-based payments for small businesses. Binny launched Xto10X Technologies, a startup accelerator, and has invested in companies like UrbanClap and Acko.
Investments
Both are active angel investors. Sachin has backed Ather Energy, Mobikwik, and Rivigo, while Binny has invested in Acko, UrbanClap, and Chalo, focusing on fintech, e-commerce, and consumer tech startups.
Media and Recognition
The Bansals are regularly featured in Forbes and Business Today for their contributions to the Indian startup ecosystem. They are recognized globally for their entrepreneurial leadership, continuing to inspire new generations of entrepreneurs.
FOUNDER GUIDE
“Building a company is not just about scaling—it’s about solving real problems that make a difference to people’s lives.”
— Sachin Bansal, Co-founder of Flipkart
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
The Story of Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal teaches us that building something monumental starts with identifying a real need and relentlessly working towards solving it. They proved that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new—it’s often about improving what already exists, creating better, more efficient solutions. Their story inspires us to take risks, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward, no matter how tough the journey may seem. Success, they remind us, is not just about the end result, but about the persistence, adaptability, and impact along the way.
